Heads of Languages, language teachers and colleagues are invited to complete the Language Trends 2024 survey by 9th February. We encourage all Newcastle schools to get involved to have your views and information represented.
- Primary School Teachers survey link
- Secondary School Teachers survey link
- Independent School Teachers survey link
The Language Trends survey is run annually by the British Council. The links have been specially adapted for primary, secondary and independent schools, designed in conjunction with the Association for Language Learning and ISMLA. Completing the survey should take no more than 10-15 minutes of your time. If you have any queries or difficulties accessing the survey, please contact languagetrends@qub.ac.uk
About the Language Trends Survey
Every year the national Language Trends Survey asks schools which languages are being taught, how they are being taught and what other activities support this, such as international links and language assistants.
It is important that as many schools at primary and secondary level respond as possible, to capture the reality of provision, rather than decision makers being informed only by a small proportion of teachers’ views.
The outcomes of this survey helps to shape Government policy and there is a real need to increase the focus on languages and its importance for children and young people and for the economy. The 2024 report will be available in June.
2023 Language Trends report
The survey is conducted by British Council and Queen’s University Belfast annually. Language Trends 2023 had the biggest ever response rate, revealing language learning at schools in England was in slow recovery after Covid-19 pandemic. Access the 2023 Language Trends report and webinar here.
2023 Headline findings included: Spanish is the most popular A-level language in schools across England for the fourth year running, while German falls behind at GCSE; nearly nine out of ten primary schools have pupils for whom English is an additional language; and schools’ international engagement is showing signs of improvement post pandemic.
Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2024 (Jan-March)
International Newcastle has hosted and co-ordinated Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages annually since 2021, celebrating diverse languages and cultures and our connections to the world.
This year’s festival is jam-packed with FREE events, activities and resources designed to ignite the curiosity of children and young minds in North East schools and communities, as well as offering resources for educators and activities for adults and families.
Open for participation now and running into March are three creative projects encouraging children to express themselves in different languages: Festival Song (Happy), art with the Peace Cranes origami project and writing with the Mother Tongue Other Tongue activity.
Booking is also open now for our live events and activities in March. These include world languages and cultures events for North East primary and secondary schools, languages and careers events for North East secondary schools, fun activities for young learners, schools, groups, adults, families and communities in the region and a host of free resources – there’s something for everyone! Early booking is recommended for the in-person live events as places are limited.
- Click here download the full Festival Programme
- Click here to visit the Festival website
- Click here to download the Festival Poster
- Follow us on social media to find out the latest news: X (twitter), instagram and facebook
- Contact Festival Co-ordinator Declan Baharini at info@expressyourselfne.com
Supporting languages, links and intercultural awareness in Newcastle
International Newcastle innovates in supporting languages, intercultural and international connections and experiences for our children and young people.
We work in partnership to support language learning and teaching, develop international school links and broker relationships and support intercultural connections and awareness raising.
Our research with teachers, children and parents underscores the profound impact of these experiences. They elevate aspirations, broaden perspectives, build skills and boost resilience, empowering our young generation to take confident strides towards a brighter future.
Find out more in our recently published brochure: Empowering Newcastle’s Youth for a Global Future